An early goal from Ashley Young gave Hodgson a win in his first match in charge, with the side missing several players through injury and Chelsea’s Champions League winning members, who were rested.

And although Hodgson was happy with the win, he also noted that the team need to improve in some areas.

"I thought we worked very hard and if we're going to criticise ourselves it would be that we maybe could have done a little bit more on occasion with the counter-attacking chances that we had," he told reporters.

"We did produce a couple of shots which hit the post and a couple of good saves from the keeper, but occasionally after winning the ball back - after defending so well - we had some great opportunities on the break."

Despite the conservative nature of the win, the former West Brom manager praised the spirit and determination of his side.

International friendlies

Young stakes claim

"We got off to a good start with the early goal, but after that we had to withstand quite a lot of pressure from the Norwegian team, at least in terms of ball possession, but I thought we kept our shape very well,” the 64-year-old continued.

"I think [I was impressed with] the discipline of the team, I think the obvious desire of the players to really work hard for each other and make certain we did come away with the victory."

Saturday’s win was England’s first in Norway for 32 years, and came on a day when several of the favourites for this summer’s European Championships suffered surprise defeats.

England goalscorer Young further enhanced his claim for a starting spot in the Three Lions’ first game against France on June 8 after bagging his fourth goal in as many games for the national side.

And the Manchester United man was quick to praise the rest of the team for the win.

"We're preparing for the Euros now, and [in] every game it's vitally important that good things come out of it, and I think there's quite a few positives that have come out of the game," the 26-year-old said.